Activities Associate - Assisted Living

Summary: To assist the Life Enrichment Director in the delivery of recreational, evidence based programming to meet the needs of the residents in the community.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass State and Company criminal background/drug screens.
• Demonstrates effective time management skills.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associate degree in human service or recreation therapy preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Previous experience working in a senior living setting a plus.
• Ability to work effectively with small groups as leader or facilitator.
• Valid state Driver’s License or Chauffeur’s license as required by property and/or state.
• First Aid Certification desired.
• Must demonstrate competency in the following areas:
• Read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Interpret and implement written or oral policies, procedures, and instructions.

Duties:

• In coordination with the Life Enrichment Director, helps in the analysis of the community’s resident population and the development of an innovative, evidence based, seven days per week (at least five programs per day with one program in the evening) activity program that is engaging and incorporates “Four Pillars of Wellness”, which are: Emotional, Physical, Intellectual & Community well-being.
• Interviews residents, on occasion, to determine his/her interests and program preferences and if, appropriate what accommodations may be needed for program attendance (such as large print game card etc.)
• In coordination with the Life Enrichment Director, helps with the writing of recreation program descriptions.
• Ensures that all documentation required by state and Five Star corporate policy is documented in a timely fashion.
• In conjunction with the Life Enrichment Director, helps to create opportunities for residents to interact with the community at large through the development of outside trips, volunteer programs and arts and entertainment programs.
• Under the direction of the Life Enrichment Director, assesses the effectiveness of programming through attendance sheets, and resident/family surveys.
• Ensures that all appropriate residents get to the activity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Promotes and protects residents’ rights, treats residents with dignity and respect.
• Ensure the confidentiality of all residents is respected at all times (i.e., when answering telephone and/or speaking to co-workers).
• Approach all residents in a kind, gentle and friendly manner. Respect for the resident’s dignity and privacy is consistently provided. Maintain the confidentiality of all resident information.
• Demonstrate a courteous, polite, and friendly attitude with residents, families, and visitors.
• Demonstrates active listening techniques, gains support through effective relationships, treats others with dignity and respect and seeks feedback.
• Attends in-services and educational programs and attends continuing education as required.
• Respond to the needs of residents, families and visitors by providing immediate assistance.
• Function as a member of the team, assisting and supporting co-workers as needed.
• Use personal protective equipment when at risk of exposure to blood or other potentially hazardous body fluids and all other times indicated by facility policies and procedures.
• Reports any signs of rodent or pest infestation to the supervisor immediately.
• Familiarize self with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Universal Worker Precautions for all housekeeping chemicals and cleaning supplies.
• Reports injury to self and others to supervisor immediately.
• Participants in the facility’s Quality Improvement program, as directed.
• Comply with all documentation policies/procedures.
• Use proper body mechanics when bending or lifting.
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with the community’s Infection Prevention policies and procedures.
• Know the community’s disaster and fire safety policies and procedures, including the location and correct use of the fire alarm system.
• Perform all duties according to policy in a professional manner.
• Comply with community attendance policies.
• Comply with community dress code policies.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and/or in-service programs.

Physical Demands:

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time, carry, reach, bend, finger, grasp and feel.
• Lift, push or pull a minimum of 10 pounds and up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to assist residents on and off bus, van or car.
• May be required to move or arrange furniture for activities.
• Ability to climb stoop, bend, kneel, push and reach to carry out activities.
• Sufficient mobility and strength to move freely through the building and to assist residents, while
  involved in activities or transportations.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision and peripheral vision.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position which includes adherence to strict time constraints.